I have a hard time telling people that I "built" a rifle due to the fact that all I really did is ordered parts and put it together. I have done a few small things on my current lathe but nothing that would classify me as a machinist or rifle builder. I really want to be able to buy a barrel blank and do all the work my self and end up with something that not only works, but works well. I have done some threading to the point that I am confident enough to thread a barrel. I have done some crown work and a little contouring as well. I have done a few simple tensioned barrel projects using factory sporter barrels. Only thing left is the chamber. My big issue right now is my lathe is to small. It only has a spindle bore of right around .750". That's why all my work has been with sporter barrels. It is also only 20" between centers. It has been great for me to learn on. When I say learn, I mean screw lots of stuff up before getting it right. Will I be able to find a lathe to do what I want for under $2,000? How slow does it have to turn when you are working with reamers? I know slower is better to avoid chatter but I am woundering if I can get a couple of reamers and try to rechamber a couple of sporter barrels on my current lathe for practice. My current lathe only goes down to 130 RPM's. This is my current lathe.
http://www.jettools.com/us/manufacturing/en/product.html?node=4642&product=88982
http://www.jettools.com/us/manufacturing/en/product.html?node=4642&product=88982
